Roma has sealed their place in the last 16 of the Europa League after a thrilling 3-2 win over Porto, with Paulo Dybala scoring twice in the second leg of the knockout round play-off. The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the outcome of the second leg uncertain. However, Dybala's fine finish into the bottom corner in the 35th minute, followed by his drilled strike four minutes later, put the Italians ahead.
Porto had taken the lead in the 27th minute with a brilliant overhead kick by Samu, but Roma's response was swift and decisive. The Argentine striker's goals were enough to put Roma in control, despite Stephen Eustaquio's sending off six minutes into the second half for Porto. The decision seemed harsh, but Roma took advantage of the numerical advantage as substitute Niccolo Pisilli claimed the decisive goal with seven minutes remaining. Devyne Rensch's own goal in stoppage time did not affect the outcome, and Roma will face either Lazio or Athletic Bilbao in the last 16.
The draw for the last 16 is set to take place on Friday at 12:00 GMT, and Roma will be looking to make a deep run in the competition. With Europa League experience and a talented squad, the Italians are confident of their chances. Manager Claudio Ranieri has praised Dybala as Roma's leader, and the Argentine striker has become the Roma player with the most goals scored since the 2022-23 season. The team's formation, which has been tweaked to a 3-4-2-1 under Ranieri, has also been effective in recent matches.
Here are the match scores:
- Roma 3, Porto 2
- First leg: Roma 1, Porto 1
The win has given Roma a boost in confidence, and the team is looking forward to the next round. With
European competition experience and a strong squad, the Italians are ready to take on the challenge. The fans have been a significant factor in the team's success, providing an extra strength and support throughout the matches.
Roma's opponent in the last 16 will be determined by the draw, but the team is focused on making a great run in the competition. The initial change of coach had caused some tension, but Ranieri has brought a sense of calm and stability to the team. The players are dedicated to their roles, and the team's defensive phase has improved significantly. With quality players and a strong team spirit, Roma is ready to compete all the way in the Europa League.
